We made these Easy Marshmallow Penguin Pops today and they turned out adorably simple. They take just minutes to assemble, and my boys had a blast making them on their own. These little penguin pops are perfect for after-school snacks, classroom parties, or any time you want an easy, kid-friendly treat.
Quick to make and delightful to look at, these marshmallow penguins are a fun activity for children and a fast way to prepare many treats at once. They require only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, so you can easily involve kids in the decorating steps and let them personalize each penguin.
Easy Penguin Marshmallow Pops
- Jumbo marshmallows — the base for each penguin
- Chocolate cookie icing or chocolate frosting — to form the penguin’s body
- Jumbo chocolate chips — used as wings
- Candy eyes — for the face
- Orange sprinkles or small orange candies — for beaks and feet
- Decorative straws or lollipop sticks — to hold each pop
Below is a straightforward, step-by-step approach. The process is forgiving, so little imperfections add to the charm and make these perfect for young hands and creative decorating.
- Prepare a clean workspace with parchment paper or a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Insert a decorative straw or lollipop stick gently into the center of each jumbo marshmallow, about halfway through. If you’re making these with very young children, an adult should help with the insertion to avoid splitting the marshmallow.
- Squeeze chocolate cookie icing or a thick chocolate frosting around the front and sides of the marshmallow to create the penguin’s black/ dark body. Leave a small oval of marshmallow exposed on the front for the white belly if you prefer a two-tone look.
- Attach two candy eyes using a dab of the icing as glue. A toothpick works well for placing small pieces precisely.
- Use orange sprinkles or small orange candies to form a beak and two small feet. Press them gently into the icing so they adhere.
- Press one jumbo chocolate chip flat against each side of the marshmallow to create wings.
- Allow the penguin pops to dry upright for 20–30 minutes so the decorations set. If you prefer a firmer hold, refrigerate them briefly until the frosting firms.
- Once set, arrange the finished penguins on a tray or stand them in a decorative foam block for display.
A few simple tips to make the activity smoother:
- Work on parchment or wax paper for easy cleanup.
- If candy eyes aren’t available, use small dabs of frosting or tiny chocolate chips.
- Melted chocolate can be used instead of store-bought chocolate icing if you prefer; allow it to cool slightly so it’s thick enough to hold decorations.
- Supervise children when using small candy pieces to avoid choking hazards.
Variations are easy: use colored sprinkles for scarves or hats, swap straws for pretzel sticks to give a salty-sweet option, or make mini versions using regular marshmallows for bite-sized treats. These marshmallow penguins also make festive additions to winter parties and holiday dessert tables.
Store completed penguin pops in an airtight container at room temperature for a short time, and enjoy them fresh for best texture and flavor. They’re a fun, hands-on project that encourages creativity and delivers a sweet reward when finished.
Your kids will love decorating these cute marshmallow penguin pops, and you’ll love how quickly they come together. Give them a try the next time you want an easy, playful treat that looks as good as it tastes.